Who was an advocate for a literal understanding of Genesis?

The correct response highlights the belief held by various early church fathers who argued for a literal interpretation of Genesis. Figures from this period, including Irenaeus, Justin Martyr, and Tertullian, among others, expressed views supporting a straightforward reading of the creation narratives and other accounts in Genesis. They believed that these texts should be interpreted as factual events, which was a prevalent stance in early Christian theology.

This approach to interpreting Genesis was significant in forming foundational beliefs about creation, the nature of humanity, and the historical context of sin and redemption. Such interpretations were influential in shaping the views of subsequent theologians and church doctrine. The collective advocacy from these early church fathers demonstrates that the notion of a literal understanding was not solely attributed to one individual, but rather a shared perspective among multiple influential thinkers of the time. These interpretations laid the groundwork for how Genesis would be perceived by later generations and the ongoing debate between literal and metaphorical readings of biblical texts.